HSV special feature: The Clubbie is born (1990-1991)

1990-1991

The ClubSport was released in July 1990 and designed as a cheaper entry point to the HSV range. In Holden's own words it was "created to directly cater for buyers seeking increased car performance and comfort levels at a realistic cost".

For HSV marketing boss at the time, John Harvey it was a big risk. He ordered 60 cars from Holden before receiving approval from HSV boss John Crennan, who was overseas at the time. When Harvey contacted Crennan, the boss said all the cars would need to be allocated to dealers by the time he returned to Australia - or else!

He need not have worried. All 60 sold and eventually 410 VN-based ClubSports were sold. The car has since gone on to become HSV's biggest seller and longest running nameplate.

Based on the all-new VQ Statesman, the SV90 was HSV's first performance luxury limo.

It was also the first Holden to be fitted with independent rear suspension. This new set-up, combined with a long wheelbase, wide tyres and HSV-tuned springs and dampers meant the Statesman delivered surprising levels of grip and a more refined ride.

On the inside the SV90 had a larger all-new leather Momo steering wheel and sports seats with a combination of velour and leather trim. Available in white and burgundy only, the SV90 used the same 180kw engine as the other models but had a new streamlined body kit. HSV also adapted the Caprice spotlights into the SV90's front bumper bar making it the first HSV fitted with spotlights as standard equipment.

Maloo (Ute)

Price when new: $34,870 Engine: 5 litre V8 Power: 180kW Torque: 400Nm

HSV continued to expand its range with the Maloo ute in October. It had a slight performance edge over its sedan stable mates because it was lighter.

It also had a significant handling edge over its rival. While the Falcon ute persisted with old technology leaf springs, the Maloo used a tweaked version of the coil spring suspension from the Commodore wagon.

The Maloo had the usual engine upgrade and shared a similar body kit to the SV89. It had a roll bar and a high-mounted brake light moulded into the rear spoiler on top of the cabin.

The interior had a leather Momo steering wheel and a leather gear knob in the manual versions. It was a tough but sexy utility and despite a limited first production run of just 110 units, the Maloo has become the second most popular HSV model.

Commodore Group A SS

Price when new: $68,950Engine: 4.9 litre V8Power: 215kWTorque: 410Nm

A month after releasing the Maloo, HSV launched the VN Group A SS, the company's second and last homologation special-build vehicle. It was the most powerful Holden built at the time and was the first Australian-built car to be fitted with a six-speed manual gearbox and 17-inch wheels and tyres.

The Group A shared the SV5000's brakes, a much-needed, substantial upgrade over the standard brakes of the time.

The engine was re-engineered for extra durability and performance. It had an upgraded block, a new crankshaft and special pistons and conrods to make it bulletproof in endurance races.

HSV claimed the production version could cover the quarter mile (400 metres) in the mid-14 second range and it had a 0-100kmh time well under seven seconds.

Inside, standard features included a four-spoke leather Momo steering wheel, a leather gear knob, specific Group A sports seats, a trip computer, central locking with a deadlock, a power aerial and climate control air conditioning.

HSV initially planned to build 500 VN Group A's, but with the recession biting in 1991, production plans were scaled back and only 302 were built.

Holden struck a deal with the Confederation of Australian Motorsport that allowed them to continue racing in Group A competition in Australia but not overseas.

After a busy 1990, HSV consolidated in 1991, bringing out just two new models in October, a revised version of the ClubSport and the SV91, based on the facelifted VP Commodore.